NO PLAYS EXCHANGED. 



'BAHER's Edition' 



PS 1103 
.B885 
P8 
Copy 1 



or PL7\Y3 « 



^f3fSC3f^f3t3t:^3bl3fi^lb^f^^itFmt^ii^ifS)^tJ^ 



AT RETREAT 




COPYRIQHT. 18»«. BY WALTIR H. BAKCR « CO. 



M /In 

Ia. W. PINERO'S PLAYS, i 

i!c Uniformly Bound in Stiff Paper Covers, ifAw 

ylv Price, 50 cents each. ilw 

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The publication of the plays of this popular author, made feasible by the new nf5 

t Copyright Act, under which his valuable stage rights can be fully protected, >AW 

.,. enables us to offer to amateur actors a series of modern pieces of the highest ^f^ 

yiV class, all of which have met with distinguished success in the leading English iiW 

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% 1 

fjS TTJrT7 A TWT A yOlVrQ I A Farcical Romance in Three Acts. By Arthur 9XS 

aaZ 1 rXC /^VJ-rt^-^^iNO* ^v. PiNERO. Seven male and five female char- iAV 

^f* * acters. Costumes, modern; scenery, an exterior '.'^ 

^1^ and an interior, not at all difficult. This admirable farce is too well known ^k'd 

Vr through its recent performance by the Lyceum Theatre Company, NeAV York, to Vf 

Sl^ need description. It is especially recommended to young ladies' schools apd ^k'd 

If colleges. (1895.) Vf 

M/ M/ 

Sif THE CABINET MI NISTER.] LT''„^u,.%^!V,^"Ko.ni'„ ..F,^ VV 

^Ij — — ' and nine female characters, ^k'g 

Vf Costumes, modern society ; scenery, three interiors. A very amusing piece, in- Mr 
V|^ geuious in construction, and brilliant in dialogue. (1892.) kTAj^ 

\f/ "nAIMTiV "niOT I ^ Farce in Three Acts. By Arthur W. Pinero. \ff 
••-'"-'•N1-' I l-'lV-a:v» Seven male, four female characters. Costumes, mod- *" 



ern ; scenery, two interiors. This very amusing piece 






^i^ was another success in the New York and Boston theatres, and has been ex- 

Mf tensively played from manuscript by amateurs, for whom it is in every respect 

^k'd suited. It provides an unusual number of capital character parts, is very funny, ^|^ 

yf and an excellent acting piece. Plays two hours and a half. (1893.) yf 

*:\'a 'TUT? T4T\"D"DV T-T/^"PQ17 I A Comedy in Three Acts. By Arthur ^k-A 

yj/ lilE. rlUJDtSY nUK:>rL. w. Pi.nero. Ten male, five female char- \f/ 

acters. Scenery, two interiors and an ex- |*i*| 



terior ; costumes, modern. Tliis piece is best known in this country through the 
admirable performance of Mr. John Hare, who produced it in all the principal 
cities. Its story presents a clever satire of false philanthropy, and is full of 
interest and humor. Well adapted for amateurs, by whom it has been success- 
fully acted. Plays two hours and a half. (1892.) 



J^lj! LADY BOUNTIFUL. [ 

\lif interiors, not easy. A play of powerful sympathetic interest, a little soriibre in 
?K key, but not unrelieved by humorous touches. (1892.) 



A Play in Four Acts. By Arthur W. 
Pinero. Eight male and seven female char- 
acters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, four 



AT RETREAT 



A Dramatic Fancy of the Ci^il War 



IN ONE JCT 



By Arthur A. Blunt 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO 
1901 



•"'••'AV- •Retreat' 









CHARACTERS 

Col. Wilfred Barlow, (C. S. A.). 

Capt. Philip Barlow, (U. S. A.). 

PoMPEY, (Servant to Col. Barlow). 

Corp. Yost, (First Georgia Wild-cats.) 

Mrs. Kate Wainwright, (Col. Barlow's sister). 

Dorothy, (Mrs. Wainwright's adopted daughter). 

Henrietta, (The maid). 

Costumes modern and military. 

Date, April 1 2th, 186^. Time, afternoon. 



» THE LiBhAf.Y Or 

CONGRESS, 

Two Copies Received 

A'JG 2 1901 

1^ Copyright entry 
/fcLA3S<3c) XX:. W^. 
COPY B. 




Copyright, 1901, by Walter H. Baker & Co. 



NOTE. 

During the last few months of the civil war, the more southern states 
were almost entirely ignorant of the movements of the army of Virginia 
under General Lee. 

It often happened that it was weeks before the news of Lee's surrender 
reached the Confederate camps in the South. 



At Retreat, 



SCENE. — Sitting-room in commander'' s quarters of Confeder- 
ate army post. Plainly furnished room. Table with pens y 
ink, paper, etc. Map on the wall, staiid of Co?ifederate 
colors in corner, drum, muskets, etc., suggestive of war- 
time. 

(Mrs. Wainwright and Dorothy discovered. Mrs. W. 
knitting grey stocking or making bandages. Dor. pretend- 
ing to read. ) 

Dorothy {speaks very quietly^. Mother. 

Mrs. Wainwright. Yes, dear. 

Dor. Isn't to-day the twelfth ? 

Mrs. W. Let me see — Sunday was the ninth. (^Counts to 
herself.) Yes, it's the twelfth day of April. Why do you ask ? 

Dor. [very quietly). It is Philip's birthday. 

Mrs.'W. Hush. (^Glances round.) Have you forgotten 
that your uncle has forbidden that name to be spoken in his 
house ? 

Dor. I have not forgotten. 

Mrs. W. Then why will you keep speaking of him ? When 
my brother's son forgot his home and duty, and entered the 
ranks of the Federal army, he disgraced the name he bears. 
He is no longer worthy of your thoughts ; he is your enemy, 
fighting against his friends, his flag, his own father. Remem- 
ber, Dorothy, you are a southern girl, and can love none but 
those who wear the grey. 

Dor. (^proudly). I am a southern girl and love the stars 
and bars and hate the Yankees who are fighting against us. 
You need not fear that I shall forget I am a Rebel. 

Mrs. \V. (^pause). Pompey tells me that the pickets cap- 
tured a Federal, day before yesterday, and brought him into 
camp. 

3 



4 AT RETREAT 

Dor. Yes — a young officer. 

Mrs. W. Indeed ! You have seen him, then ? 

Dor. (jjuickly). Only a gUmpse; it was when he was being 
taken to the guard tent, yesterday. 

Mrs. W. I wonder what state he is from ? 

Dor. Pompey says he is from Massachusetts. 

Mrs. W. Massachusetts ! Did he say what regiment ? 

Dor. The Fifty-second. {Buries face in handkerchief .') 

Mrs. W. The Fifty-second ! Why, that is the regiment 
Phihp went into ! Dorothy, that's Phil s regiment. 

Dor. {sobbing). Yes, I know it. 

Mrs. W. {knits very fasf). Now isn't that strange? I won- 
der who he is ? Perhaps he knows Phil. It isn't likely, though ; 
probably he's nothing but a Yankee spy. Well, if he is they 
will hang him, I suppose. Dorothy, {zuipes her eyes') do you 
imagine he knows Phil? 

Dor. {sobbing). Yes, I think — I don't 

Col. Barlow {enters in fatigue uniform, riding boots, etc.). 
Well, this looks cheerful. What's the trouble. Dot? Has 
Pompey been obstinate again? I'll have that black rascal 
thrashed 

Dor. {goes to him ; kisses him). Pompey has been just as 
good as he could be. There's nothing the matter. Can't you 
see I'm smiling? 

Col. I see you are trying to smile, but it isn't very success- 
ful. {Sits c.) Come, little girl, tell me all about it, and we'll 
see what can be done. 

Dor. {quietly). I was only thinking of Philip. 

Col. That was all, was it ? (Rises.) I don't wonder that 
you cry. Ungrateful boy that he was. I tell you, Dorothy, he 
is not worthy of your tears. He has disgraced us all. Three 
years in a northern college have made him forget that he is a 
southerner. {To himself.) To think that my son — my son — 
should turn traitor to his country, ay, take up arms against his 
home and his flag. My son ! No, he is not my son — I tell you, 
girl, I will not talk of him. I buried him when he first put on 
that Federal blue. 

Mrs. W. Dorothy was just saying that to-day is his birth- 
day. Had you thought of it ? 

Col. 1'hought of it — no ! I tell you, I have ceased to 
think of him. I wish to hear no more about him. And more, 
Kate — we are not known here ; let nobody know that I have a 
son. {Walks up a?id dowfi the room.) 



AT RETREAT 5 

Mrs. W. {after a pause). What is the news from the front ? 

Col. Little enough, but discouraging. General Lee is hard 
pressed, so the reports say, but the wires are down all over the 
country, the railroads totally destroyed, and all the news we 
get is by courier, and days late. 

Mrs. W. Do you think General Lee's army is in danger? 

Col. No, no, I won't say that; there can be no especial 
danger, but the reports are bad, bad. 

Dor. Uncle Will. 

Col. Well, Dot, what is it? 

Dor. Have you (^nervously) — have you seen the prisoner ? 

Col. Prisoner? So, we have a fine Yankee in the toils, 
haven't we? I had forgotten it. No, I haven't seen him yet. 

Dor. Do you think he is a spy ? 

Mrs. W. Dorothy, dear child, you must not worry yourself 
about these things. 

Dor. Do you. Uncle Will? 

Col. Well, what else can he be? When an enemy enters 
our lines at night, alone, he certainly must come as a spy. 

Dor. But couldn't he be trying to get through our lines to 
his own command ? 

Col. Why, child, there are no Union camps between us 
and Atlanta. 

Dor. But, uncle, don't you think you ought to see him ? 

Col. {teasingly). What for ? To give him a chance to 
plead for mercy ? 

Mrs. W, Has he been tried yet ? 

Col. I ordered a drum-head court-martial before I went to 
Ellsworth. I rather expected to receive a report by this'4ime. 

Dor. Suppose he is found guilty ? 

Col. {firmly and quietly'). He will be shot. 

Dor. Shot ! 

Mrs. W. Why, Dorothy, » 

Pomp, {at door). Dat's all rite, sar — dis yer coon am de 
'spatch bearer to dis yer 'stablishment. I's turble sorry, but 
cain't 'low no outsiders insider dese yer he'dquarters. 

Yost {outside). I t-t-t-tell you I-I-I 

Pomp. Sorry, sar, can't wait to hyar yo' nohow. Yo' jes' 
gib me dat 'spatch. De Kunnel been waitin' fo' it sense fo' 
clock dis mo'nin'. Yo' jes' wait rite, hyar fo' de Kunnel' s com- 
plimuch. {Enters with dispatch. ) Mars' Kunnel I's turble 
sorry to keep yo' waitin' fo' dis yer 'spatch — done brung it 
rite 'long sar, never waited fo' to breve, no sar. 



6 AT RETREAT 

Col., {tea7-s open dispatch). Ah ! 

Mrs. W. Is it news from General Lee ? 

Col, No, it is the findings of the court-martial. (^Reads.) 
'* Drum- head court-martial ordered by you finds prisoner guilty 
of being a spy. Buckner, Judge Advocate." {Pause; quietly.) 
" And the sentence is — death." 

Dor. Uncle Will, won't you see him ? Perhaps he isn't a 
spy — perhaps 

Col. Dorothy, this is very strange, to hear you plead for a 
Yankee. 

Dor. But, uncle, suppose you knew — suppose before the 
war he had been your friend 

Col. My child, this is war — I do not know what you 
mean by my friend before the war. I only know that this 
Federal entered my lines as a spy, and the penalty for that is 
death. 

Mrs. W. Poor boy — whoever he is. (JVipes eyes.) 

Dor. Uncle Will, suppose your son 

Col. (/;/ anger). I tell you I have no son. 

Dor. Suppose, Philip, after four long years of fighting — 
longing day by day, yes, even perhaps dying for a sight of his 
old home and his father, were to steal through your lines, will- 
ing to risk his life, if need be, to see you, to see — to — to see — 
me — once again, and your soldiers should catch him and con- 
demn him to death for being a spy — would you — would you 
order him — your own son — to be shot? (She stands in a 
pleading attitude before him.) 

Mrs. W. Dorothy, what do you mean ? 

Dor. Uncle Will, suppose Phil were the prisoner? 

Col. If he were my son ! Phil, my boy — shot as a spy'! 
No,, it can't be Phil. He is away up north amongst our 
enemies, fighting against his father; the prisoner is his com- 
rade, one of the cow^ards who turned him against his flag and 
me. He is an*enemy of the Confederacy, a spy. He entered 
my lines to gain the information that would betray me to thi 
Federal troops. He must die. {Calls.) Pomp. 

Pomp. Yes, sah, rite hyar, sah. 

Col. Bring me pen and ink and paper. 

Pomp. Yes, sah, rite hyar, sar. (^Moves the paper, etc.^ 
that are on table at which Col. is staiidin^.) 

Col. {sits, writes, rise's, reads). ''Findings of court-mar- 
tial approved. Prisoner will be shot at Retrent to-night." 

Dor. Uncle Will, not that— think, think of Philip ! 



AT RETREAT 7 

Col. {sternly^. You, Dorothy, a southern girl and beg for 
an enemy's life. Have you loo turned traitor to your country's 
cause ? My son — I would to God that the prisoner were my 
son, that by ordering him to be shot at Retreat to-night I might 
wipe out the disgrace he has brought upon my name. He is a 
spy, and though he were my son he should die to-night. 

Mrs. W. Wilfred, think, what you are saying. 

(Dorothy sinks into chain l., sobbing. Pomp, during 
speech at door rear, ta/king to one outside.) 

Pomp, {comes doivn, bows, etc.). Mars' Kunnel, de prisner 
say as how he lek to s[)eak wif yo', sah. 

Col. I will see the prisoner at Retreat. Kate, come with 
me. [^Exeunt Col. a7id Mrs. W. l. u. e. 

Dor. {springs up). At Retreat to-night. {As if dazed.) 
At Retreat. He must be saved, he shall be. What shall I do 
— O, Phil, how can I save you ? 

Pomp, {ivhispers). Miss Dorothy ? 

Dor. Pompey, you here ! Wliat have you heard ? 

Pomp. Ssh ! Miss Dorothy ! Mars' Phil — he's down dar in 
de ole smoke-house by de willows. After de cote-martial dey 
totes him down dar. It am hotter dan de debbil out, an' de 
guard am in de shade ob de wood, only de tow-hedded copral 
what hab de pepperment in his speech. Dey ain't nothin' but 
a button on de do', an' if we could only get the stutterin' 
gemman out ob de way, I could git down dar an' unbutton de 
do', an' Mars' Phil could out an' shine fo' de cane-brake, 
den I button de do' an' nobody doan't miss him tell he got to 
de swamp. Only, Miss Dorothy, we got to move Artful 
smart, kase dey gwin' to change de guard mighty soon. 

Dor. You say there is no one in front of the door of the 
hut but Corporal Yost ? 

Pomp. Dat's all, only Corporal Ghost. 

Dor. And if we could get him out of the way — but how 
can we? 

Pomp. Pm ding-busted if I know', less I set de blam' dog 
onto him. 

Dor. Wait ! No, we can't do that. 

Pomp. Hoi' on. Miss Dorothy, dar's Henretta ; dat yer 
soldier feller he stuck on her fo' sho'. If she was to go down 
dar an' make lub — hi-hi-hi 

Dor. The very thing. {Rings bell.) Pompey, you watch 
the door. 



8 AT RETREAT 

Henrietta, {enters, l. u. e.). Did yez ring, Miss 
Dorothy, I dunno ? 

Dor. Yes. {Slowly). Henrietta, do you remember Mr. 
Philip ? 

Hen. {looking round frightened). Sure, um, the masther 
caught me talkin' about him the other day, and he trew a book 
at me. Sure whin I talk of him now I kape still. 

Dor. He used to be very kind to you, Henrietta. 

Hen. Thrue for ye, um. 

Dor. Do you remember whenever he came back from 
school, he always brought you a present; and when you were 
sick, he used to buy fruit for you, and 

Hen. {covers face with apron). Sure, um, it's manny the 
day I've thought ave the poor bye an' the kind heart of him, 
an' — an' divil the night has passed over me head since the war 
broke out, that I haven't asked the Howly Vargin to remember 
an' watch over the lad that his father here has forgotten. 

Dor. Would you like to repay him for all that he has done 
for you? 

Hen. Sure, um, thare ain't nothing I wouldn't do for Mr. 
Philip. 

• Dor. {iiervously). Henrietta, you know there is a Union 
soldier, a prisoner in the old smoke-house ? 

Hen. I do, um. 

Dor. He is to be shot at Retreat to-night. 

Hen. Arrah, poor lad. An' do yez know who the bye 
is, um ? 

Dor. It's — it's — Philip. {Breaks down.) 

H»n. Ah ! what's that ye say, um. Mr. Philip ! Howly 
St. Patrick ! Ah, wirra, wirra ! 

Pomp. Fo' de Law sakes ! yo'll hab de guard in hyar sho', 
if yo' doan't mek' les' noise. 

Hen. Howld yer tongue, yez spalpeen. Faith then, um, 
chair up ; sure it's his own father that's in command here. 

Dor. Yes, and his — Colonel Barlow says he must die. 

Hen. His own son ? Well, blister his sowle ! 

Dor. Henrietta, we must be quick. There is but one 
guard in front of the smoke-house. Corporal Yost. If you will 
go down and make love to him — you know, just get him away 
from the front of the hut, then Pompey can unbutton the door, 
and Philip can escape to the cane-brake. Will you, Henrietta ? 

Hen. Sure, um, yez want me to make love to the spindle 
legged felly wid the spring halt in his talk ? 



AT RETREAT 9 

Dor. Yes; will you, Plenrietta ? 

Hen. Sure I'd make love to owkl Nick himself to help Mr. 
Philip. 

Dor. Remember, Henrietta — you — you — are helping one of 
our enemies to escape. 

Hen. Whist! don't waste yez breath, urn; sure ain't it 
me own bye Timmie that's been marchin' to Yankee Doodle 
for the last four years. Are yez ready. Pomp? 

Pomp. Mis' Dorothy, de boat am already in de swamp, an' 
ise gwine wif Mars' Phil down to de bend in de crick an' den 
dey kan't ketch him fo' sho'. 

Dor. God bless you, Pompey. (^Gives him revolver.^ 
Give Mr, Philip this — they may try to follow him with dogs. 
0\ Pompey, you'll do your best to save him ? 
* Pomp. Mars' Phil was powerful good to ole Pomp ever 
since he warnt nuffin' but jes' a HI' honey ; an' now. Miss 
Dorothy, ole Pomp gwine to save him, or lay rite down side 
ob him an' die. [Exeunt Hen. a?id Pomp. 

Dor. {sits at table, sobbing)^ O, my heart aches so. 

Mrs. W. {enters r. u. e.). Dorothy, dear, what, crying 

still? I expect Captain Andrews here to tea; go, dear, and 

. change your dress and bathe your eyes. (Dor. exits silently r. 

\ U. E.) Poor girl, it was a hard blow to her to have Philip 

turn out so bad. They were to have been married this June. 

Poor Dorothy — and poor Philip too. ( Wipes eyes.') 

Col. {enters l. u. e. trying to buckle on sword). Kate, 
have you seen Pomp? {Calls.) Pomp, you rascal ! 

Mrs. W. What is it. Will ? Perhaps I can help you. Is 
it the sword ? 

Col. Yes, the sword, the boots, the hat, everything — 
Where's that Pomp 

Mrs. W. {rings bell). I'll see if Henrietta knows. Let 
me see if I can't button the coat for you. Strange where 
Henrietta is. {Rings bell.) 

Dor. (rz/z/i- in L. u. e.). O mother, Henrietta has gone 
out after some berries, won't I do ? 

Col. Have you seen Pomp ? 

Dor, Pompey ? why let me see — O, uncle let me buckle 
your sword for you. There, now, the hat, W^here are the 
gloves? O, here they are ! (Shots outside ; Dorothy drops 
gloves, leans on table.) 

Yost {rushes inc.; salutes). C-c-c-coM-I-I-have-t-t-t 

Col. Well what ? 



lO AT RETREAT 

Yost. T-th-th-th-th-the p-p-p-p-p-ah-ah-pr-pr 

Col. What's the trouble? 

Yost. The-pr-pr-pr-pr 

Col. Speak, man 



Yost. I-I-c-c-c-c-c 



Col. {I'oariiig). Well, sing it, damn it — sing it. 
Yost {sings). The prisoner has escaped and has made for 
the cane-brake. 

Col. The prisoner escaped ! Dorothy ! 

Dor. {proudly). Well, sir. 

Col. Corporal, follow me. [Col. and Yost exeunt c. 

(Dorothy sinks into chair ; Mrs, W. stands looking at 
her ; retreat sounds outside on the bugle. At the first 
note Dorothy rises and stands to the end of the call. ) • - 

Dor. Retreat, mother ; they have sounded Retreat, but the 
prisoner has escaped. {^Breaks down.) 

Mrs. W. Dorothy, daughter, what does this mean ? 

Hen. {enters c). Sure, um, it worked beautiful. He 
niver turned — ah, bad luck to it, there's the missus ! 

Mrs. W. Henrietta, I do not understand this. 

Hen. Sure, thin, I'm glad av that. 

Mrs. W. I wish to speak with you alone ; come with me. 
Dorothy, remain here till I return. 

Dor. Yes, mother. {Exeunt Mrs. W. a7id Hen. l. u. e. ; 
Dor. runs to 'wi7idow rear.) The guard are going down to- 
wards the cane-brake ; there is a squad searching the willows 
by the hut. O, if it would only grow dark faster. The ser- 
geant of the Guard is coming back. I wonder what he is 
after. {Screams.) The blood-hounds ! O, Phil ! Pompey 
said he would wait in the boat. {Lights lamp on table.) If 
he can only reach the big river, he is safe. (Phil, enters c, 
his blue uniform torn and muddy, glances round, comes softly 
up.) I wanted to see him so. O Phil, why did you go north ? 

Phil, {softly). Dorothy. 

Dor. Philip ! {Springs into his arms.) 

Phil. Dorothy, my darling, my love ! {Kiss, etc.) 

Dor. {breaks from him). But, Phil, why did you come 
here ? Quick ! you must go. 

Phil. Tell me, dear, do you still 

Dor. Phil, for God's sake, d&ar, go, go ! They will shoot 
you at sight ! For my sake, go. 

Phil. They condemned me because they took me to be a 



AT RETREAT jj 

spy. They gave me no show at the trial. I will wait and see 
the colonel ; there is no chance for me to escape now 

Dor. You must, Phil, you must. 

Phil. But dear, listen ; the colonel will never 

Dor. Phil, the colonel is your father 

Phil. My father. 

Dor. Yes, Phil your father. He is very bitter against 
you. HaHc ! there s some one coming. Quick, behind the 
chair. {Drops behind c. ) . 

Hen. {eitters r. i e.). It's a great time Pve been havin' 
wid the missus. Sure, miss, what's the trouble wid ye/? 
Whats that behind the chair? Mr. Philip'! (He rises\ 
Ihe samts presarve us ! {Shakes his hand.) Sure ye/ must 
be gettin out of this lively. {Runs to door c.) Quick ^or 
the guard is coomin' ; git out on the piazza, and whin they dt 
into the house, drop to the ground and run for the stable 
Quick, sor, or yez won't have time. 

w'tl^ ^K ^? ''^' ^^{'''' ^''^•) Good-bye, s^veetheart. 
Hen. They re coomm'. It's too late. {Runs to door and 
tries to turn guard's attention the o titer may ) 

Dor. Quick, Phil, m this room. It's your only chance. 

\^Exit Phil. r. 2 e. 
Col. and Yost enter c. 

Col. You haven't seen anything yet, corporal. Strange. 
Vour men have orders to shoot to kill? 
Yost. Y-y-y-yes, s-s^sir. 
Col. Dorothy, have you seen Pomp vet? 
Dor. No, sir. 

Answer, gi^r^ ^""^ '""'' '^'^ ^''^'^"'' ^^ ^">^ ^^'^^^ ^^'^^^^^^ 

Hen. Sure, sor, divil a sign she's seen of him to-day, sor. 

rj/,?, ^7f himself) He can't be in the house here. 

in^oT ''^/ '•^''- ^''''- ''''^^"'l^^^^^ly ^'^oves in front of door.) 
Dorothy, ^dio is in that room ? I'll see myself ^ 

the floor ^"'^"'^"^"'^°^°"^^' he-he-here's f-f-f-f-f-footprints 0-0-on 

CoL. {iiurriediy). You're right, corporal. 
^_^\0ST. It's t-t-t-the m-m-mud of tiie c-c-c-cane-brake, s-s- 

nJn^f?^' ^"'^^^^^ ^'^^y' sor, them's me own footprints, an' it 
am t swamp mud at all at all, it's the pig-pen 

COL. Dorothy, open that door ! Corporal, search the room. 



12 AT RETREAT 

(Dor. screams ; Corp. opens door, opens viouth, tries to speak, 
can't, touches Coh., points.) Sing it, man. 

Yost [sings). He's crawling out of the window, shall I 
shoot ? 

Col. Yes, and shoot to kill. (Yost raises jniisket.') 

Dor. {screams). Don't ! {Throws the rifle up ; it ex- 
plodes in the air.) 

Col. The door, corporal, he can't escape. [Exit Yost 
in a hurry r, ) Dorothy, I suspected your hand was in this 
business. [Enter Mrs. W.) Kate, I charge this young lady 
with having aided the prisoner to escape ; you will see that she 
does not leave the house until after the prisoner is captured and 
shot. [Sits at table. ) 

Mrs. W. [quietly). Very well, Wilfred. 

Yost, [enters c. ; pushes Phil, ahead of him). T-t-t-the 
pris-pr-prisoner, sir. (Yost has with him two or more mem- 
bers of the guard. ) 

CoL. [busy writing, back to Phil.). So, young man, you 
have decided to stay with us a little longer, have you? 

Mrs. W. Philip ! (^Covers face with hands.) 

(Dorothy tries to go to Phil. ; guard keep her back. ) 

CoL. {jvriting). Prisoner condemned as spy will be shot at 
sunrise, Thursday, April 13. 

Phil. Colonel, I am not afraid to die, but I wish you would 
change that word spy. 1 did not come as a spy. 

CoL. That voice! My God! {Rises; pauses; looks 
round.) Philip, my son ! 

Phil. Father ! [Steps forward, guard stop him with bay- 
onets. ) 

Col. My son ! A spy ! 

Phil. No, I did not come as a spy. I wanted to see the 
old home once again, so getting a leave of absence I started 
south. I wanted to take the shortest route, and so struck 
across country, and was captured by your pickets and brought 
here. 

Col. You wanted to see the old home. You are tired of 
the north and the traitors' flag you have been fighting under, 
and are ready to take the oath of allegiance to the Confederacy 
and join our ranks? My boy, 

Phil. No, colonel, do not mistake me. The old home is 
very dear to me, but I am a Union soldier ; you can shoot me 
for a spy but never as a traitor. 



AT RETREAT I 3 

Col. Traitor! You were that when you forgot your duty 
to the South and joined the Federal army? Let there be one 
in the family who knows his duty and can perform it. You 
will not be my son, you are my enemy. {Reads order.) 
''Prisoner condemned as spy will be shot" (Dor. sobs aloud) 
"at sunrise, April 13."' {Makes move to sign ; hesitates.) 

Dor. {comes quietly to CoL.'s side. He does not notice her ; 
she takes hold of his belt). Uncle Will, don't you remember 
when Philip and I were little, and Phil fell into the river? 
You said I saved him then, didn't you, Uncle Will? You 
said he owed his life to me, and he gave it to me then to ket- [) 
forever. And don't you remember when aunty died, she 
asked you to take care of Philip, and never let anything harm 
him? We used to be happy before aunty died, didn't we, 
Uncle Will? Uncle Will, don't you — you — remember? 

Col. Yes, I remember ; my boy loved me then. 

Dor. He loves you now, Uncle Will. He was on his 
way home to see you. 

Col. {slowly). He was coming home to see his father ! 
{Brokenly.) Phil ! for God's sake, boy, can't you see 
what you are doing? I can't do my duty — I can't order 
my own son to be shot. Think, lad, it's your father who asks 
you. 

Phil. Father, you must do your duty as I am doing mine. 

Col. Dorothy ! speak to him ! 

Dor. Phil ! 

Phil. No, dear, don't ask of me what you know I cannot 
do. Colonel, if I have been condemned as a spy 

Dor. Philip, don't, don't 

Phil. Then there is but one thing for you to do — your 
duty. 

Col. {slotvly). Yes, I must do my duty ; I must sign away 
the life 'of my only son. {Pause.) Corporal, take the pris- 
oner to the guard-house. 

Dor. Phil, they shall not take you. 

Col. {quietly and sadly). Dorothy. 

Dor. Uncle \N\\\ ! (Col. turns from her.) Mother ! 
{Sobbing.) 

Col. Corporal! {Motions guard off .) 

Corporal {growls). Come on. (Guard move away with 
Phil.) 

Dor. {stretches arms toiuards Phil., whispers). Philip ! 
{Sinks into chair ; buries head on arins at table. ) 



14 AT RETREAT 

(Phil, wrenches aiuay from Guard arid springs toivards 
Dor. Guard catcJi him ivith bayonets.^ 

Pomp, {rushes in c, folloived by Orderly covered with 
mini). Hyar's de Kunnel, sah. 

(Orderly salutes ; hands Col. dispatch.) 

Col. (tears opens dispatch; reads'). " General Lee surren- 
dered on the 9th. The war is over." 

Dor. {rises; speaks as if dazed). Tlie war is over ! The 
war over ! Philip ! 

Phil, {catches her in his anns). Dorothy i 



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A NEW CUBAN PLAY. 



IN THE TRENCHES 

A Drama of the Cuban War in Three Acts. 

By ABEL SEAMAN. 

Eight male, three female characters. Costumes modern and military; scenery n.j^ 
difficult. An exceptionally strong and well-constructed melodrama, full of poweriul 
situations and humorous incidents, which has been successful in professional hands. 
Its story is full of interest, and is told by a well-selected and contrasted group of charac- 
ters, including Hebrew, Irish and Negro comedy roles. The second act is laid in the 
trenches before Santiago, and gives opportunity for military display if desired. Its 
action is very'spirited, its climax strikingly heroic and its appeal to patriotic sentiment 
overwhelming. Strongly recommended. 

Price 15 Cents. 



SYNOPSIS. 

ACT I.— A strange will. War with Spain. The Colonel's history. Paul Davis' 
pride. The sealed packet. An honest man. A sad experience. A brave bargain. 
The dawn of love. Is he a coward? Held in trust. Financial agent. A brother's 
wrong. The seat of war. For love or money. Nadina's sacrifice. Passion's penally. 
A man's independence. Strange disclosures. Rejected by the rose. The march to the 
front Beggar'd in pocket and bankrupt in love. With flying colors. A heart of geld. 
The roll of the drum. Away to the war. Facing the foe. 

ACT II.— In the trenches. Why he 'listed. An Irishman's philosophy. For 
valor. Unconscious of danger. The sergeant's hut. On the slopes of Santiago. The 
Colonel's prejudice. Risen from the ranks. A half-dead Spaniard. Letters from home. 
Strange news A cruel insult. The plot of ruin. Spies in the camp. A token of love. 
For himself alone. Nadina's truth. Underarms. Ringing the changes. Doomed to 
dishonor. Cruel to be kind. Husband and wife. The envelope and the seal. Sent to 
the front. The Spanish colors. The forlorn hope. A soldier's death. Food for pow- 
der 

ACT III.— In Santiago. The two papers. A rogue's quarrel. A deserted wife. 
Green's luck. The sacred truth. A blameless life. Brought to the test. Mother and 
child. A man to love. For her sake. Nadina's sacrifice. The love of the lion. The 
eagle spreads his wings. Testing the metal. Struck to the core. The spider's web. 
Joy does not kill. Forget and forgive. After many years. The stolen proof. Hoist 
with his own petard. Spanish treachery. Biting the dust. True to himself. Bowled 
out. 



Rubber Boots. 

A FARCE IN ONE ACT. 
By HANLEY H. PIKE. 

One male, three female characters." Scenery, an easy interior; costumes modem. 
This is a most ingeniously imagined and cleverly written little piece, admirably suited 
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and it provides twenty minutes of delightfully humorous incident and dialogue. The 
tramp is a "dumb" character, his part being wholly in pantomime, but remarkably 
efiEective. Very strongly recommended. 

Price .•••••• 15 Cents. 



^V NEW OPERETTAS FOR CHILDREN. ^■ 



2i 

I 

i 



^. an ©pcretta for Cijitorcii. # 

/|\ Words by MARGARET FEZANDEE and EDGAR MORETTE. 

/K Music by EUGENE FEZANDIE, Jr. 

(US /JS 



lEDITH'S DREAM. 



■Rleven characters, girls and boys, or all girls, as preferred ; ten or more addi- 
tional for cLorus. Scenery unnecessary ; costumes, pretty and fanciful, but 



/IS 



if|i tlonal for cborus. Scenery unnecessary ; costumes, pretty and fanciful, but 

^15 easily arranged at liome. This admirable little pio?.e is printed complete with 

iiC music. It is very tuneful and gracefully iuiagined, and is strongly recommended yiV 

W,^y for private theatricals or for schools. It is i)articularly well suited for the latter ^|3 

iiC nse, as it deals whimsically with the question of youthful study, inculcating, >iv 

W,fy however, an excellent moral. ^I^ 

/j^ Price 35 cents. /|^ 

(Us (US 

I ODD OPERASMEVENTIDE. | 

J|^ A Collection of Short and Simple Musical J|^ 

Jk Entertainments for Children. ?K 

Sfff By MRS. G. N. BORDMAN. Vf) 

f f 

\ww This collection provides ^i simple operetta, a fairy opera, a picturesque motion y^M 

yr song, a quaint musicfil pantomime, a pretty musical sketch, and two original 7;' 

%W humorous recitations for children, con)plete, with all the music, and full instruc- ^1^ 

7'^ tions for performance. The music is tuneful and sin)ple, and is specially written y.' 

%■/ ^^Ith the tastes and limitations of children in view. The solos are easily learned WJ 

z\' and sung, and all tbe choruses are Avritten for voices in unison. The collection W. 

Wli^ is strongly recommended for its simfdicity and perfect practicability. Neither klJ 

^J'i stagenor scenery is <leniande<l, nor any other requirements that cannot be met ^!' 

WlJ without trouble by the equipment of the ordinary hall or church vestry, and the \Md 

•1. zeal of the most economical committee of arrangements. ;T^ 

M/ Price 60 cents. W 

y/ CONTENTS. Mj 

^' A Glimpse of the Brownies. A Tlie Boating Party. A Musical "' 
Musical Sketch for Children. Any Sketch for Little Children. Thirty 



.4. A Glimpse of the Brownies. A 
ykS Musical Sketch for Children. Any 

2V, number of boys. 

;lf Market Day. An Operetta for Young 
%■# People. Seven speaking parts and 

*" ehorus. 

Queen Flora's Day Dream. An 

Operetta for Children. Six speak- 
ing parts and chorus. 






The Boating Party. A Musical ... 

Sketch for Little Children. Thirty \9t 

boys and girls. "^ 

Six Little Grandmas. A Musical 

Pantomime for very Little Children. 

Six very little girls. 
Jimmy Crow, A Recitation for a 

Little Girl. 



A Hou«e in the Moon. A Recita- 
tion for a Child. 



f 






% The Plays of \ 
k 

k 

% A DOLL'S HOUSE | tlltl 
/)\ THE PILLARS OF SOCIETY. 



LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS 




^<. < .*^.. f ^13. 016 115 777 6 • 

Edited^ with Critical and Biograpmcai inxroouction, 

by EDMUND GOSSK 

This series is offered to meet a groAving liemand for the plays of this well- 
abused and hotly-discussed writer, whose influence over the contemporary drama 
is enormous even if his vogue in the American theatre be still regrettably 
small. These plays are intended for the reading public, but are recommended 
for the use of literary societies and reading clubs, and somewhat diffidently 
suggested to dramatic clubs, as providing unconventional but vigorously acta- 
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more successful parts and inspired more " hits " than any of his more popular 
contemporaries. This edition is printed in large, clear type, well suited for the 
use of reading clubs. The following titles are ready. . 

A Play ix Threk Acts. Translated by Wil- 
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A Play ix Four Acts. 

Translated by WiLLiAsr 

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GHOSTS. 



A Drama in Three Acts. Translated by William 
Archer. Three male, two female characters. 

Price, 85 cents. 



ROSMERSHOLM. 



THE LADY FROM THE SEA. 



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tAii characters. 

M/ AN ENEMY OF SOCIETY. I 

Y 

W HEDDA GABLER. 

w 

7i 



A Drama in Four Acts. Translated by M. 
Cahmichael. Four male, two female charac- 
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THE WILD DUCK. 



A Drama in Five Acts. 

Translated by C la r a Bell. 

Five male, three female 

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A Play in Five Acts. Trans- 
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Kine male, two female charac- 
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THE YOUNG MEN'S LEAGUE. 



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A Play in Five Acts. 

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THE MASTER BUILDER. 



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lated by Edmund Gosse and Wn-- 
liam Archer. Four male, three 
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